New College of Florida receives $2.5 million gift for new education center

Yahoo

14-07-2025

New College of Florida has received a $2.5 million gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the David Scaife family, to fund the Contemplation and Education Center on its Sarasota Bay campus.
Located on Sarasota Bay, the Contemplation and Education Center will support a range of academic, spiritual, and civic functions. The facility is expected to host interfaith ceremonies, meditation and reflections, academic lectures, and community gatherings such as weddings and memorials.
'If approved by the board of trustees, this gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation allows us to create a space that embodies the values of reflection, learning, and community,' New College President Richard Corcoran said. 'The Contemplation and Education Center will serve as a sanctuary for students, faculty, and the broader Sarasota community.'
Rabbi Michael G. Cohen has been appointed the new spiritual leader at Temple Sinai in Sarasota, the synagogue announced.
Cohen, who began his tenure on July 1, most recently served as rabbi at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre, New York. He served nine years as a Jewish chaplain in the U.S. Army in Fort Stewart, Georgia, and five years in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command as a psychological operations sergeant. His military service included deployments to Haiti, Korea, Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan.
"This is an exciting time for the future of Temple Sinai as we move forward in our next chapter," said Sherry Thomas, Temple Sinai president. "Rabbi Cohen's unique combination of military service, scholarly achievement, and pastoral experience makes him an ideal fit for our congregation.'
Cohen earned a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University, a master's in Hebrew Letters and ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and a master's in Jewish nonprofit management from the University of Southern California (Zelikow School). Originally from Nashville, Cohen is married to Dr. Sharon Poczter, an economist and professor at Yeshiva University. The couple has two children, Neil and Golda.
The Englewood Chamber of Commerce recently announced the return of the Little Miss and Mr. Englewood Pageant and the Miss Englewood Pageant as part of the annual Englewood Pioneer Days in August.
'We are thrilled to bring back the beloved tradition of the Little Miss and Mr. Englewood Pageant and the Miss Englewood Pageant,' said Doug Izzo, executive director of the Englewood Chamber. 'These events have long been a cherished part of Englewood Pioneer Days and we are excited to see our community come together to celebrate the next generation of Englewood pride.'
The Little Miss and Mr. Englewood Pageant will be Aug. 23 at Englewood Methodist Church. The Miss Englewood Pageant is scheduled on Aug. 30 at a location to be announced. For more information, including pageant applications and fees, visit englewoodchamber.com/pioneer. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1.
· The Mall at University Town Center is hosting the Suncoast Largest Food Truck Festivalon July 5 from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. More than 40 food vendors featuring BBQ, seafood, Mexican and other international foods. floridapenguinproductions.com.
· The Senior Friendship Centers' free monthly authors series 'Joyful Journeys' continues on July 17 in Sarasota (1888 Brother Geenen Way) from 5-6:30 p.m. with Sarah Penner, author of 'Amalfi Curse.' Discussions, Q&A sessions, and a chance to connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. Registration/info: friendshipcenters.org/category/events.
· The Music Compound in Sarasota (775 Bell Road) will welcome 15-year-old piano phenom River Eckert for a masterclass on July 17. Eckert has collaborated with several music legends and has performed at prestigious venues, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Registration: musiccompound.com/river-eckert-masterclass.
· Selby Gardens will host "The High Life: Contemporary Photography and the Birds" from July 19 through Sept. 14 at the Downtown Sarasota campus. Organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography and curated by photography experts William Ewing and Danaé Panchaud, the exhibition will feature roughly 70 works by more than 50 photographers from around the world. Info: selby.org/the-high-life-contemporary-photography-and-the-birds.
Submissions by Kristine Janata, Alexandra Nicole Islas, Laurie Lachowitzer, Tracey Hull, Jerry Fox, Brett Cecere, Su Byron, Sharon Kunkel, and Nancy Seijas-Kipnis.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New College receives $2.5 million gift for new education center